About the City
Tolfa
Small wonder in the heart of Etruscan Tuscia
The marvellous Tolfa, rightly included in the list of ‘Slow Cities’, is a small, ancient town located on the volcanic promontory of the same name in Lazio. Thanks to its genuine and authentic spirit, this ville offers a relaxed and peaceful living experience far from mass tourism. Tolfa's main virtue is the preservation of its historical and cultural heritage, with its characteristic houses, cobbled alleys and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. In addition, the town is renowned for the ancient art of leather tanning and is part of the Città dell'Olio circuit. Every year, Tolfa organises authentic events such as ‘Tolfa Jazz’ and the ‘Festival dei Briganti’ where visitors and inhabitants can learn about and appreciate the local history, culture and traditions. Tourists can also engage in nature excursions in the ‘Marturanum’ Regional Park, where they can enjoy rich biodiversity and Etruscan archaeological sites. To make the most of your visit, we recommend sampling the local cuisine in typical restaurants, visiting craft workshops and participating in various activities organised by the community.
The Slow Experience
Tolfa, a picturesque hilltop village in Lazio (province of Rome) and the first municipality in the province to join the Cittaslow network, offers the ideal setting for a responsible tourism experience
Details & Programs
Friday
• 10:00 – Arrival and Check-in at Agriturismo Biologico “La Cardellina”. Nestled among the gentle hills of the Tolfa Mountains, the organic farmhouse “La Cardellina” is a haven of peace and sustainability. This family-run agriturismo is known for its eco-conscious philosophy, which includes renewable energy, organic farming, and water-saving practices like rainwater collection. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a herbal welcome drink – a symbol of the heartfelt hospitality here. The rooms, made of natural materials such as wood and stone, offer essential comfort and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, inviting guests to reconnect with nature.
• 11:00 – Introductory Nature Walk. After settling in, take a gentle walk in the surrounding countryside. The trails weaving through the hills offer a chance to immerse yourself in local flora and fauna: ancient oaks, Mediterranean scrub, and—if you're lucky—birds of prey in flight. The silence is broken only by nature’s sounds, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. This walk will help you become familiar with the area and appreciate the untouched beauty of the Tolfa Mountains.
• 13:00 – Light Lunch at the Agriturismo. Return to the agriturismo for a light meal prepared with fresh, organic ingredients from the garden. The menu may include a selection of seasonal vegetable appetizers, local cheeses, and homemade bread. The family atmosphere and culinary care make each meal an authentic and satisfying experience.
• 15:00 – Visit to the Tolfa Civic Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon, head to Tolfa’s center to visit the Civic Archaeological Museum, located in the former Convent of the Augustinian Fathers (16th century). The museum offers a fascinating journey through the area's history, with collections from the Bronze Age to the Etruscan and Roman eras. Notable are the finds from local necropolises that testify to ancient funeral and artistic traditions. The medieval and modern section displays materials from Piantangeli Abbey and the fortress of Tolfa, offering a glimpse into the daily life and historical transformations of the village.
• 17:00 – Walk in Tolfa’s Historic Center. After the museum, enjoy a stroll through Tolfa’s historic center. The medieval town is full of stone-paved alleys, arches, and hidden squares rich in history. Don’t miss the artisan leather workshops producing the famous “Catana” bag. Climb up to the Rocca dei Frangipane fortress for panoramic views stretching from the surrounding hills to the Tyrrhenian Sea on clear days.
• 20:00 – Dinner at Trattoria La Loggetta. End the day with dinner at Trattoria La Loggetta, a family-run restaurant in the heart of the historic center. With over 30 years of experience, it offers a warm and informal setting. The menu includes typical dishes from Tolfa, made with local, organic ingredients. Enjoy traditional recipes like “acquacotta” (a vegetable and bread soup) and “mentucciata” (pasta with wild herbs). Generous portions and friendly service guarantee a genuine culinary experience.
Saturday
• 08:30 – Breakfast at the Agriturismo. Start the day with a hearty, wholesome breakfast at Agriturismo La Cardellina. The buffet includes fresh milk, homemade yogurt, wildflower honey from the Tolfa Mountains, seasonal fruit jams, wood-fired bread, and traditional homemade pastries. This nutritious meal will energize you for the day’s activities.
• 10:00 – Guided Hike in the Tolfa Mountains. After breakfast, head out for a guided hike along the trails of the Tolfa Mountains. Led by an experienced guide, explore untouched landscapes, oak forests, and grazing lands where wild horses and free-range cattle roam. The route will be adapted to your physical level and may include scenic viewpoints overlooking the hills and the sea. The guide will enrich the experience with insights on the area’s flora, fauna, and history.
• 13:00 – Picnic with Local Products. For lunch, enjoy a picnic prepared by the agriturismo, featuring local specialties such as homemade bread, cured meats, cheeses, and seasonal fruits. Eating in the middle of nature is a perfect way to fully appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the landscape.
• 15:00 – Visit to Poggio della Stella Farm. In the afternoon, visit Poggio della Stella Farm for a wine tasting and sampling of typical Tolfa products. Every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM, the farm offers guided winery tours followed by tastings of their wines paired with local foods. You'll learn about their winemaking methods and enjoy the authentic flavors of the region.
• 20:00 – Dinner at Agriturismo “Autenticum”. Wrap up the day with dinner at Agriturismo “Autenticum”, known for its short supply chain cuisine. In a cozy family atmosphere, dishes are prepared with organic ingredients from their own production. The seasonal menu includes revisited Lazio specialties, such as handmade fettuccine with farm-raised wild boar sauce or sautéed vegetables from the garden. Everything comes from the farm or trusted local suppliers, ensuring freshness and authenticity.
Sunday
• 08:30 – Breakfast at the Agriturismo. Begin the day with another organic breakfast similar to the one the day before, to get ready for the day’s activities.
• 10:00 – Visit to Tolfa’s Farmer’s Market. Head to the town center to explore the Farmer’s Market, where you can meet local producers and purchase fresh and artisanal products. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the everyday life of the village and support the local economy.
• 13:00 – Lunch at Casale dell’Acqua Bianca. Head to Casale dell’Acqua Bianca, a stone farmhouse surrounded by pastures, for a typical Sunday lunch. The welcoming, rural atmosphere includes views of grazing cattle. The fixed menu celebrates local recipes: bruschetta with new olive oil and artisanal salami, pappardelle with wild boar sauce, roast pork with herbs or wild boar stew with porcini mushrooms, and seasonal sides. Everything is homemade with farm or local ingredients.
• 16:00 – Local Event or Free Time. Depending on the season, you may attend cultural events or local festivals in Tolfa. Alternatively, enjoy free time exploring the village, visiting craft shops, or simply relaxing in its laid-back atmosphere.
• 17:30 – End of Tour and Departure. End your stay with a farewell toast at a café in the center: a glass of local wine or fresh juice with traditional hazelnut cookies (“tozzetti”). This is a final chance to share impressions with the organizers and say goodbye to your new friends from Tolfa. Individual departures in the late afternoon, taking with you memories of three days filled with genuine living.
The Accomodations
